Several prominent iOS - based e - record apps meet update on Monday that removed one small , but important feature : To follow withApple ’s later policies on selling app content outside of the stock in - app buy API , the Kindle , Kobo , Google , and Nook apps all drop in - app links to their connection - based ebook stores . And at least one meaning e - reader has disappeared from the entrepot entirely .
Specifically , the apps now comply with Apple ’s App Store requirement for purchasing external content :
The button seen here is no longer in store for Kindle app users .
The button seen here is no longer in store for Kindle app users.
The guidepost was first revealed as part of Apple ’s subscription plans in February , but the companionship later on revise and clear up the rules in May . Still , the limitation has drawn fire from subject matter trafficker , in that it provides Apple ’s iBookstore — which boasts an in - app store — a leg up on competition . Third - party e - reader are bequeath with three unappealing pick : take out their apps ’ links to entrepot ; funnel all purchase through Apple ’s in - app system , which also necessitates yield Apple 30 per centum of each book bought ; or draw their apps entirely . So far , most of the democratic e - reading apps appear to have opted for the first , belike both for fiscal and practical reasons ( enable in - app purchase for every title in the broad Kindle catalog is belike more than just a small problem ) .
The only advertised variety in Barnes & Noble ’s Nook app is the remotion of its storage link ; as for Kobo , it coupled the store link ’s axing with the introduction of a new in - app tidings feed to keep you apprise of the a la mode Kobo news . The Google Books app , meanwhile , vanished shortly from the App Store on Monday , presumably because it had n’t yet been updated to comply with Apple ’s requirement . Google ’s app now , too , lacks a store link ; Google allege only that the novel reading includes “ minor sweetening and glitch fixes . ”
Remember , you could still buy books at the respective Web stores for most of these apps and study them on your machine — you’ll just require to find those stores on your own , or else of by solicit a provide link .
Updated 4:36 p.m. ET to reflect Google Books ’s return to the App Store .
